Regulators Assess Life Insurers' Progress on Premium Practices
Regulators Assess Life Insurers' Progress on Premium Practices
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The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have released an update on the progress life insurers have made in addressing issues related to premium increases, product design, and disclosure and marketing materials.
This follows previous notifications amid growing concerns that frequent, large, and unexpected premium increases may not have been applied in accordance with policy terms and may not have met reasonable policyholder expectations.
The latest review identified improvements in re-rating practices, marketing and disclosure materials, as well as product governance. However, actions to address increasing premium volatility through product design are still at an early stage. Given the recency of these actions, it is too early to fully assess their effectiveness in reducing the frequency and size of premium increases. Both regulators will continue to engage with individual life companies where the need for further improvement has been identified.
Australians rely on life insurance to protect themselves against adverse events. Life insurers need to ensure their products meet consumers' needs, offer reasonable premium stability over the lifetime of the policy, and continuously manage the expectations of consumers around premium increases.
Swiss Re Life & Health Australia has announced a suspension of new life insurance business activities in the country, effective October 2025. This decision stems from concerns over the sustainability of Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance products, which have seen a significant rise in claims, particularly those related to mental health. - read more
AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu has cautioned that the life and health insurance industries are facing structural changes driven by mounting mental health claims, rising premiums, and ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Speaking during the company's online Thrive for Life presentation, Mu highlighted that economic volatility, regulatory changes, and affordability challenges are rendering current life insurance models unsustainable. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have released an update on the progress life insurers have made in addressing issues related to premium increases, product design, and disclosure and marketing materials. This follows previous notifications amid growing concerns that frequent, large, and unexpected premium increases may not have been applied in accordance with policy terms and may not have met reasonable policyholder expectations. - read more
In a significant development for the Australian life insurance industry, the Parliament has passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Act 2025. This legislation, enacted on 1 April 2026, prohibits insurers from using genetic test results to influence underwriting decisions for life, income protection, or trauma insurance policies. The ban is set to take effect on 8 October 2026. - read more
The Australian life insurance industry is witnessing a significant increase in mental health-related claims, with recent data indicating that these claims now account for nearly one-third of all total and permanent disability (TPD) claims paid. This trend underscores the growing impact of mental health issues on the workforce and the broader community. - read more
AIA Australia CEO Damien Mu has raised concerns about the sustainability of the current life insurance model, citing rising mental health claims, increasing premiums, and ongoing cost-of-living pressures as key factors necessitating structural changes within the industry. - read more
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Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
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Income Insurance: Insures your income in the event of you being unable to work due to sickness or accident.
